What Do These Stones Mean to You?

_{Scripture Focus: Joshua 4:1–8, 20–24}
“When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’”
— Joshua 4:21–22, NASB 1995


Sermon Reflection
Israel had crossed the Jordan, but Jericho still stood ahead. Before the next battle, the Lord told them to take twelve stones from the river and set them up where they would live. The stones would remind them of the place where God had brought them through. They would also give their children a reason to ask what had happened there.

As we celebrate more than 130 years of our church’s history, we can thank God for pastors who preached, members who prayed, and generations who served. We should tell those stories truthfully, including the seasons when we needed the Lord’s mercy. The people who came before us did not sustain this church by their own strength. The Lord has been faithful to His people.

And His work is not finished. There are still children to teach, neighbors to love, and people who need to hear the gospel. We remember where God has brought us so that we can trust Him and make Him known in the days ahead.


How I Should Respond
Pause and name a place where the Lord brought you through. What happened? Who helped you along the way? How did God provide, correct, or sustain you? Then tell someone the story. If you speak with a child or a younger believer, give them more than the outcome. Tell them whom you prayed to, how you depended on His Word, and why Jesus Christ is worthy of their trust.
Ask yourself: When I tell this story, will people leave impressed with me, or will they know more about the Lord?
 

Weekly Prayer
Father, thank You for bringing Your people through seasons we could not have faced on our own. Forgive us when we forget Your help or take credit for Your work. Teach us to speak truthfully about our past and gratefully about Your mercy. Give us courage to tell the next generation about Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for sinners. As we face the work ahead, help us trust the same Lord who has been faithful to us thus far. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Application for the Week

• Day 1 — Remember. Read Joshua 4:1–8. Write down one place in your life where the Lord brought you through. Thank Him for what He did there.
• Day 2 — Give thanks for others. Think of someone whose prayers, teaching, or service helped you follow Christ. Thank God for that person, and tell them if you can.
• Day 3 — Tell the truth. Read Psalm 78:1–8. Share a testimony that includes both God’s faithfulness and your need for His mercy.
• Day 4 — Speak to the next generation. Ask a child, young person, or younger believer what they know about a way God has helped you. Listen, then tell them the story and point them to Christ.
• Day 5 — Carry it forward. Read Joshua 4:20–24. Pray for one person in South Shore or in your own neighborhood who needs to hear the gospel. Take one step to care for them or speak with them about Jesus.

Final Thought
The stones mattered because the Lord brought His people through the river. Our stories matter when they lead others to Him. Look how far the Lord has brought us—and make sure the people coming behind us know who brought us here.